The Natural List: Trends and taste testing at Sweets and Snacks Expo Date: 6/3/26

We’re back in the studio! This week on The Natural List podcast, Adrienne Smith is joined by NewHope.com Editor Meredith Kaufman to catch up on trends and treats from her time at Sweets and Snacks Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. First, we break down some of the overarching trends we spotted, like bigger companies going all in on “better-for” products and how GLP-1 users and shifting consumer preferences are reshaping product flavor development. Then, our hosts put some of the standout products to the test with an on-camera taste test! How will these brands fare? Probiotics, new ways to incorporate fiber and protein, freeze-dried popable candies and so much more. Listen now for the full recap of the show and what the findings mean for the future of the snacking industry. In this episode: 0:05 – We’re back in the studio! 0:25 – Thank you to our sponsor Bimbo Bakeries USA. 1:40 – Meredith noticed that the specialty and natural channel continues to grow. 2:25 – PepsiCo is going all in on their “better-for” products, but how do they taste? 4:30 – GLP-1 users are changing the snacking landscape. 5:35 – Disruption and innovation are coming from the bottom up. 7:00 – Candy that’s visually appealing is big. 8:18 – Some bigger trends like protein are still holding strong. 8:50 – Dubai Chocolate trend case study. 10:16 – Thank you to our sponsor Om Mushroom Superfood. 11:00 – Mallow Pop freeze-dried Korean marshmallow bites taste test. 12:26 – Dirty Gut probiotic chocolate taste test. This brand includes 1B probiotics and is sweetened with coconut sugar. 14:12 – Snackish Pickle Punch potato chips taste test. This brand uses the potato skin for protein and fiber. 17:39 – Bonus: The “swicy” (sweet and spicy) trend was alive and well with gummy, sour candy with tajin or other spicy flavors to balance out. 19:14 – Meredith’s top 5 snacks from Sweets and Snacks 2026! Thank you to our sponsors Om Mushroom Superfood and Bimbo Bakeries USA.